Well here it is. I don't have anything really to say except finals are in a week and then summer! When vacation hits, I'll be able to post more so hold on for just a couple days. This chapter is like the stepping-stone to the story. Thank god too because I was loosing my mind writing about absolutely nothing.

I don't own LOZ

And 'Turn All the Lights On' is not mine.


Chapter 7: Castletown

"Stupid people are dangerous." ~ Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

I walked around the big oak tree trying to see if anything was out of the ordinary. I grunted out loud, nearly tripping over the unexposed roots.

'There has to bee something here. A magical door? A black hole? Anything!'

The person could not have just disappeared with a snap of a finger; there's no way they ran off too.

'But what if there was never a person?' A thought popped into my head and stopped my little search, 'Did I imagine it? I mean, I was tired perhaps I just made it up.'

I stood there, my index finger pressed against my lip, before shaking my head.

"Nah." I smiled to myself.

A car horn screamed behind me, turning my attention to whoever the idiot was. The idiot happened to be Malon and she looked like death. Literally.

Her eyes had dark grey circles under them accompanied with bags that didn't look all that pretty. Her hair also looked a little frizzy, nothing like the glossy and shiny locks that was usually there.

'Damn, rough night?'

"Hey Mal," I smiled and started making my way over towards her, watching for the killer roots that enjoyed seeing me stumble.

Malon unexpectedly threw me into a hug and shook her head, "elda weere werr yuuu?" She mumbled, her voice muffled by my hair.

"Come again Mal?" I asked completely baffled.

Malon pulled away but still held tight to my forearms and tilted her head. "Where were you, I've been calling you all night?"

That didn't make sense? "Um Mal, we talked last night?" I smiled a little uneasy, "You kept apologizing to me because of the whole Link and Romani thing."

She stared at me like I was a twelve-headed cucco and did a little dance with her head, as if shaking it.

"You're losing it Zel. I never talked to you! I did try calling you, like, a thousand times though!" She looked away and grumbled, "Of which, you didn't answer.."

"Malon you're on something," I challenged while taking out my phone from my back pocket and unlocking the screen. "See look, I called you at…"

I stared down at the phone, mesmerized by what I seeing.

Malon-5 missed calls.

Malon peeked over my shoulder before stepping back and crossing her arms, a smug expression taking over her face.

"What!" How? But I remember..

"No Malon I called you! I remember!" I probably sounded stir-crazy to her but this was just getting weird. 'I couldn't have imagined that to?'

Malon gave me an accused look before speaking, "What were you doing last night Zel? You and Dark party too hard?" I gawked at her before viscously shaking my head.

"Malon! Ugh you sicken me woman, that disgusting waste of space will never put his hands on me." Okay sure, I was still a little pissed off about last night.

Malon clasped her hands behind her back, shrugging and looking down. She started kicking at a mound of dirt before speaking, "Well whatever happened last night, it's over." She stated firmly.

I could tell Malon didn't want to discuss whatever the Sacred Realm happened to me last night but I kind of felt rejected by her lack of interest at the moment. She hadn't always been like this though, since the day I met Mal she was always my backbone or caught me whenever I fell. Somewhere in the past years it seemed she took a liking to hiding her feelings.

I wanted to try another approach to the topic but I had a gut-feeling she wouldn't approve of me badgering her about my problems.

Malons face suddenly lost its serious expression, looking up at me she gave a small smile. "Well come on." And turned towards the direction of her car.


While in Malons car, I shifted uncomfortable trying to think of what was gnawing at my brain. It was something important I could tell but my mind could not place what it was.

"…and so the actor on the movie, what was her name?" Malon scrunched her face up in thought before snapping her fingers, "oh I know! Lulu Acqua! Yeah that's it, she was an amazing.."

Lulu?

Lulu!

A compressed feeling ignited in my chest, feeling sorry that I completely ditched Lulu on Friday. I grabbed my purse and shuffled my crap around before grabbing my phone and speed dialing Lulu.

In my peripheral vision I didn't miss the agitated look Malon gave, probably because I wasn't listening to what she was saying.

After I was done apologizing to Lulu (and trying too encourage her to take a chance with Ralis), I hung up and leaned against the leather seat. Malon bit her bottom lip, clearly holding in what she wanted to say and instead turned the volume to the radio up louder.

It was quiet in the car, no words exchanged and eyes avoiding one another, all I heard was the barely recognizable song being played.

I huffed out my annoyance and turned to start a conversation but before I could do so, the radio decided to help.

"Turn All The Lights On" by T-Pain came blaring through the speakers and Malon whipped her head in my direction, an over excited smirk taking over her features. I mirrored her expression and we both screamed "TURN ALL THE LIGHTS ON!" in sync.


Since it was Sunday, the shops that occupied Castletown were mostly closed with an exception of a few drift stores. But that didn't stop the hungry crowds that littered the streets, grouping in large clusters that were a pain to get around.

Castletown was huge and old. Extremely old. Yet it still held the number one tourist attraction for this land and others surrounding it. It could have been because the history here was astounding, every turn you made a story could be told. Walk over to the Café di Delicatezza and that's were the former queen would have her afternoon tea. Travel to the small apple stand and you're standing right where the Hero of Twilight was when he took a nap to get away from all of the trouble back then. Or so they say…

One drawback was the narrow streets that engrossed the enormous city. Due to no cars or subways, the houses were placed much closer together to conserve space back then. It really was fascinating to see the original cobblestones and lamp post that were placed around but really, could they not just expand it a little bit?

Every building in the southern and western had its original exterior, only the eastern side of Castletown was built recently due to the increase in population in both people and business. It was quite a sight to walk through one part of the town and feel like you're back hundreds of years only to walk to modern day technology that was hung around eastern Castletown.

But what drew almost every tourist or traveler here was the magnificent castle that stood proudly in northern Castletown. The old stone walls that held back numerous enemies had yet to defy us yet and the guards who took shifts 24/7 took their job seriously, a murderous expression gracing their face when getting to close. Currently the prince of Hyrule resided there alone. After the surprise ambush all those years ago, he came out as the only survivor.

Malon and I hopped out of her car at the gate entrance to Castletown. One major rule was no vehicles allowed in the town to help keep the air cleanse and not harm any citizens. People are okay with the idea now but 20 years ago a riot formed because of the 'ridiculous idea' the former queen had made.

We pushed through the crowed, hearing different conversations thrown around and dodging the oblivious ones that stepped in our way.

"Come on, I know where we're going." Malon called out, weaving around the crowd like a natural.

Eventually we made it to Goddesses Blessings, a really well-known ice cream place that was always crowded. Stepping inside, a chill swept past me and made an escape towards the open door. I surveyed the place until I spotted my group of friends smack dab in the middle, all waving and making disturbing faces. I smiled at them, a weight being lifted off of my shoulders just by being near my friends. The weight returned pretty quickly when I noticed Link was among them, leaning his chair back on its two back legs and staring at me with his arms crossed.

I had to remind myself that Link hung out with my friend too, that he was also in this group just as much as I am. But it still didn't help the fact that the kid could be so rude!

We made our way over to the table, squeezing past the much to close tables and almost stumbling by the people that decided it was a bright idea to have their chairs pushed far out from the table. Eventually we got towards the four tables that were neatly pushed together, probably Sarias doing.

"Hey guys," Malon said, striking a smile before sinking down into a chair that was next to Anju. That left the seat next to Link open. Dammit.

I walked over to the only available seat and plopped down, trying to avoid all eye-contact with him.

I was still deciding whether or not the kid was still angry at me because of the little showdown that occurred yesterday but I mentally slapped that thought out of my head.

Why would I care?

But a big part of me, the one that actually cared about people, knew it was rude to act like a child and ignore the man. Perhaps I should take a different advent and try to become friends with the guy?

After some time chatting with my friends and catching up, I felt a slight vibration in my pocket and pried out my phone. Taking a glimpse at the screen, I read the text.

Dad-Mother and I will be returning home much later than expected, please do me a favor and pick up my suit at the dry-cleaners.

A marveled at how, even in text form, my father could still sound as dull and simple as he was in person.

My thumbs did a little dance, trying to figure out what to type, before sending back a simple message.

Sure, no problem.

I leaned back in my chair, popping any joints that felt out of place and briefly shook my left leg that had fallen asleep.

I stood up, my chair screeching loudly against the tile floor, and cast a glance over to my friends.

"Well guys, it was awesome hanging out with you but I have to get going, ol' daddio needs me to go pick something up." I glimpsed over to Malon, "You're staying right?"

Malon nodded, munching on her ice cream cone with a sickening crunch. I collected my valuables and prepared myself to leave.

But a hand shot out and grabbed my wrist, kinda rough might I add.

"I'll go with you, I have nothing better to do." Links thick timbre echoed into my head.

Looking over to him, I awarded him a sincere smile, really though I was fighting with myself to ask him why. 'You hate me?'

"Oh no it's fine, it's going to be kind of boring." I stumbled over my words a little, "I'll just be walking in and out of stores for a while." Maybe that would change his mind.

To my dismay, he shrugged his shoulders and stood up, letting go of my wrist finally. "Better than sitting here and doing nothing."

I gave him another award-winning smile, hiding my scowl, before turning to the others. "I'll see you guys later."

I didn't miss the small grin that took over Malons face as Link and I made out departure.

What was I going to do? What the heck are we going to even talk about?

Stepping out into the cold air, I instantly snuggled into my (fake) fur coat and headed right, towards eastern Castletown.

Link caught up to my left and kept a pace, both of us silent.

I took the first bite, "Okay why did you want to come?" Kinda harsh…

"Why not? I cant just spend a day with you?" he glanced over at me.

"I never said that!" I defended myself immediately, my voice having a fierce tone to it. I maneuvered around two old women that were knitting in the middle of the road. Strange people.

We took a sharp left down a small alley that was hidden between two large buildings, I didn't like going down this way but it cut the travel time in half.

"Actions speak louder than words."

My actions? "What? My actions, what's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing." he muttered, dodging two small children playing tag.

"No really Link, do you think I hate you? Because I don't." It was partially right…

He look over towards me then looked over my head, "We're here."

I looked over my shoulder, noticing the store now. Seeing the 'Clean like a Dream' Sign that was so well-kept, you could see your reflection. Stupid logo.

"Seems so." I answered sorrowfully, feeling like I lost his attention on our conversation.

Minutes later, we both emerged from the store, Link holding my father suit that was wrapped up tightly. Surprisingly he offered to hold it.

"Do you need to give this to your father right now?" Link asked.

By now the sun was blaring onto me, making me feel in need of a cold cup of water. Only Hyrule could go from freezing to sweltering in a matter of seconds. Taking out my sunglasses from my purse, I looked over to him.

"No that's for tomorrow." I answered, putting my sunglasses on.

"The why did we get it now?" he shot back, his voice slightly agitated.

I pursed my lips, "Hey, look you didn't have to come okay?" By goddesses did I not tell him to stay with the others?

He didn't snap back, didn't make a snotty remark like I expected him to. He just grumbled incoherent words and started walking next to me.

We reached the center of Castletown where it was really bustling with people now. The massive statue of the goddess Hylia holding all three pieces of the triforce. It was a donation by the princess of the Zora's long ago because of the amount of courage the hero had shown.

I started for the entrance, happy to be getting away from the obnoxious screams and cries the kids next to us were doing. It was like inflicting pain on a whole new level.

"Before we go," I heard Links voice beside me, "Can we stop and get some grub?"

'Grub?'

"Um sure?" What in the goddesses name was he talking about?

"It's another word for food; piuttosto."

Piuttosto? What is with all these new words?

I turned to face him, "Um excuse me, what did you call me?"

He ignored my comment and perplexed expression and trudged on past me, setting off to the restaurant that resembled a beach shack.

I had no choice but to follow him. He still had my fathers suit after all.

Looking up at the sign, I questioned out loud, "What's 'Telmas Place?'"

Sounded….generic.

"Surprise you've never been here." He bit back harshly.

I rolled my eyes, not in the mood to fight back, and followed him in. Stepping inside, I could immediately sense the environment this room held.

Drunk people. Everywhere. wasn't it, like, midday?

"We're at a bar?" I shook my head, trying to get the odd thought out of my head.

"Relax okay, there's a diner in the back piuttosto."

That word again? It was starting to tinker my nerves, "please, just tell me what put… um plu-"

"Piuttosto." Link corrected.

"Yeah that!" He once again ignored me and instead grabbed my upper arm, making my whole body stiffen.

"What in the godd-"

"Just keep quiet okay, I hate walking through this part." Link interrupted, his voice dangerously close to 'pissed-off' mode.

He pushed me to his right side, making his body cover up my view of the drunkards. It seemed like he was embarrassed of me seeing what those men were doing with their lives. But judging by his face, he probably didn't want any of them looking over at us, or really, me.

Link started for the entrance across the room, pulling me with him slightly closer to him than comfortable.

Trying not to look, but failing, I could see some of the men look up and over towards us. Most of them were to drunk to see straight but some of the more sober ones were grinning and eyeing me up. I bit back my disgust and trudged along with Link.

Finally crossing over to the next room, Link let go of me and readjusted his grip on my fathers suit.

"That place is for the lonely and should be closed!" I shouted, taking my anger and distress out on him.

"I know-"

"It's wrong and-"

"I said I know-"

"Disgusting! A disgrace to the Hylian commu-"

"Hey!" Link raised his voice.

That got my attention. Looking at him finally, he quickly composed himself and cleared his throat.

"I get it, I hate it as much as you but get over it," He mouth turned to a small frown, "the guys in there won't change so stop thinking about it." He finished his sentence and walked around me.

Turning around I asked out loud, "Don't we need a host or someone to show us where we are going to sit?"

Link turned his head and smirked, "Not here you don't, time to get out of that bubble and see what normal people do."

I curled my upper lip a little but let it go, mimicking his moves and walking over to a random booth.


The lunch was good, really good.

Why I have never been there before I'll never know.

'Probably because I live in a bubble.' I answered myself.

Currently, Link and I were heading up north Castletown. Somehow I was able to persuade him into walking up here. Having him for company was as bad as I imagined it.

Looking up at the bright blue sky, I smiled happily. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and I could see birds flap around excitingly.

'North Castletown is definitely my favorite part here.'

"Isn't the castle beautiful." I whispered to nobody, it felt like the words tumbled out before I could stop them.

"What?" I heard Link ask, looking over to me.

"The castle." I pointed towards the amazing structure, towering higher than any other building surrounding it. "It's amazing! I wonder what the inside looks like?"

"Eh, probably nothing special. Just a big house with a lot of rooms," Link crossed his arms and cocked his head a little.

"Well I for one would love to go on a tour," I smiled sadly, " sucks that they ended that years ago. I never got the chance."

"Yeah because of security reasons with what happened to the royal family," Link said, a unreadable expression on his face.

"Well maybe there's another reason," this caught his attention and he turned his head towards me. I kept staring at the castle; seeing the royal flag breeze softly from the wind and a birds nest near one of the higher windows.

"And what would that reason be?" Link questioned, silently urging me to continue.

"Well place yourself in the princes shoes. He lost his family, the only people he could depend on. Sure he probably wanted the protection but a bigger reason could be because the prince wants to cast everyone out. He probably needs someone, a friend, but is to swallowed up in misery to notice." I lowered my head, "He was so young too, only 10, he must be so lonely." My voice drifted off, the wind catching the words I gave.

I thought about what I said, of how the words just slipped right out of my mouth before I even thought of them. Like they were meant to be said.

The sound of birds chirping brought me back to the present and I looked up.

Links eyebrows were furrowed, his face deep in concentration.

"Link?" my voice was quiet, almost inaudible. He didn't answer, just stared at the cobble-stone ground.

Curiosity getting the best of me, I gently and slowly poked him, not wanting to spook him.

He blinked several times before looking at me, a unreadable expression on his face.

"You're right," he calmly said back, looking back towards the castle.

I opened my mouth to ask why but quickly thought better and stopped.

'What's going on?'

Eventually Link ushered me out of north Castletown, heading towards the parking lot to retrieve our cars.

He didn't say much, just looked forward and occasionally changing his grip on the suit.

Finally reaching my car, I unlocked it and opened the trunk door before turning back to Link.

Ha wordlessly handed the suit over and waited until I was done loading it in. Turning back to him I smiled, "Thanks."

He nodded and looked to his left, avoiding eye-contact it seemed.

I walked over to the drivers side and opened the door. Sliding into the seat, I glanced over at the Hylian teenager.

"Thanks for coming with me, it would've been boring going alone." Be nice, be friends.

I expected him to say something rude like all the other times we parted, but to my surprise nothing like that happened. Quite the opposite actually.

"Did you really mean it?" He asked, finally looking into my eyes.

I guess my faced showed my confusion because he quickly continued, "about the prince and how alone he is?"

I breathe in, not expecting a question like this to come out. "Yeah I did. The prince is here to keep the people happy but nobody notices how sad he is."

Link digested my words, piecing together what I just said before looking back at me.

I could have sworn on the Holy Goddesses themselves a small smile flashed onto Link's face. But it was gone as quick as it had came.

He nodded his head and turned around, heading for his car. But before I could question his odd dispatcher, he turned towards me.

"See ya later, piuttosto."


When I got home the house was empty, quiet. Not that I minded though, walking around town all day really made me exhausted.

I gingerly placed my fathers suit on the kitchen table and made my way upstairs.

'A little nap should do it.' I thought happily.

But after I got changed and was walking to my bed, my legs changed course to the computer.

Hopping onto Google, I went to the search bar and typed what was bothering me.

Mouth agape and eyes widen, I stared at the screen.

Piuttosto.

It meant 'pretty' in Old Hylian.


Alright there ya go. Hope it was longer than usual. First i'd like to say 'Pluttosto' is a real word, it really means pretty in Italian and if anyone already knew that, props to you. I'm just going with Old Hylian because, well, nobody probably knows Italian there.

Also Cafe di Delicatezza is Cafe of Delicacy in Italian. I really want to learn that language, and so i will!

Well that's it, I have to go zonk out know. Work takes my weekends away :(